Marco Silva could’ve had Ipswich Town transfer envy - Leif Davis would hate it | OneFootball

Ipswich Town were linked with the signing of Ryan Sessegnon prior to his move to Fulham

Leif Davis could’ve had very stiff competition for game time at Ipswich Town when the club gained promotion to the Premier League.

The full-back was a crucial member of Kieran McKenna’s side when they earned a top two finish in the Championship in 2024.

The club achieved back-to-back promotions to go from League One to the top flight, returning to the division for the first time since 2002.

Davis contributed an impressive two goals and 18 assists for the Tractor Boys as they edged out Leeds United and Southampton for an automatic promotion place at the first time of asking.

And yet the Suffolk outfit considered a move for Ryan Sessegnon in the 2024 summer transfer window, with his contract with Tottenham Hotspur about to expire.

The defender instead made the switch to Fulham, though, returning to Craven Cottage after previously coming through the London outfit’s academy system and shining for the club in the Championship and Premier League before joining Spurs in an ultimately ill-fated 2019 switch.

Ryan Sessegnon would’ve been missed by Marco Silva if Ipswich Town sealed deal

It was reported by GiveMeSport in May 2024 that Ipswich were among the clubs eyeing a deal for the impending free agent Sessegnon.

The full-back had been unable to cement himself as a key part of the first team squad at Spurs, but the Tractor Boys were keen as they looked to bolster their defensive options.

Despite Davis’ strong form in the Championship, Sessegnon’s Premier League experience still would’ve made him an exciting prospect for the club and McKenna would've also liked the versatility of the Englishman, who can play further forward on the wing if needed.

However, he ultimately signed for Fulham instead, and Marco Silva will be glad that the Premier League side were able to bring him back to Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old has helped the team in the last couple of years to establish themselves as a challenger for European competition qualification.

Sessegnon contributed four goals and two assists from 16 appearances in the Premier League last season, with Silva’s side coming 11th in the table.

This year, Fulham are in contention for a place in the UEFA Conference League, and the full-back has grown in importance to the squad.

He’s already played 22 times with nine games still to go, starting on 18 occasions, and only four points separates them from seventh place Brentford.

If Sessegnon had instead signed for Ipswich, then Silva could be looking on with envy at McKenna’s left-back options, and the Premier League side might not be so comfortable in their league position.

Leif Davis will be glad with Ryan Sessegnon transfer outcome

One clear winner at Ipswich as a result of missing out on the Sessegnon signing was Davis, who continued to be their first-choice left-back after gaining promotion to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old gained his first true experience of the top flight at Portman Road, playing 33 of their 38 fixtures.

He had played twice for Leeds United at that level before, but both appearances came as a substitute for a total of just 33 minutes of action.

While Ipswich were unable to survive in the Premier League, coming 19th, Davis will still be pleased to have taken that step in his career, and he showed on a personal level that he can compete among the best teams in the country.

But if Sessegnon had been in the squad, then his game time could’ve taken a serious hit, which would’ve been a big blow to his confidence.

Instead, Ipswich focused their transfer efforts on centre-back, bringing in Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea, sparing Davis from having to compete for regular minutes against a Premier League proven talent.

The Tractor Boys’ loss has been Silva and Davis’ gain.